“You get more when you give more.”
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What the Hell Are You Talking About?
Consider the impact you are making with your words
By The Minimalists
What are you talking about?
We usually posit this question when we’re confused, as in “I don’t know what you’re talking about! Please explain.”
But what if we thought about that question in a different way? What if we thought about it literally, as in “What things am I talking about?”
For example, are the things I’m talking about making a difference? Are the things I’m talking about contributing to others in a meaningful way? Are the things I’m talking about allowing me to grow as a human being?
Or, are the things I’m talking about fueling the fire? Am I spreading rumors and gossip and adding no value to the overall conversation? Am I part of the disease or the cure, the problem or the solution?
If it’s the latter, then we need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “What are you talking about?” You see, it’s okay to be wrong—we are human after all—but it’s not okay to be wrong about the same thing over and over again.
And when we’re done talking, we must take action, for action is far more important than talk.
Reducing Barriers Through Simplicity
The importance of creating space for a simpler life
By Paul Glennon
As an artist, designer, and educator I have benefited from applying a reductionist approach to all three areas. I always thought the basis for this was a preference for the beauty of minimalism.
Over time, I have realized that this preference is not just about aesthetics, but more about removing barriers in my life. An example of this is in relation to my dyslexia, which initially I thought was all about letters and words, when actually it had more to do with how I organize my life, and in particular, my thoughts. I discovered that organization became a challenge when there was too much “stuff” around me. To alleviate this, reducing the amount of “things” helped. This could be anything such as clutter on a table top, what was in my pockets, or the contents of a bag. Taking steps to reduce helped me to manage stress related to my dyslexia, and to excel in organization.
Another example is how to manage a normal life when autism is a 24/7 component. In this instance, it is my son’s severe autism, and its impact on him, his sister, his mother and I. With autism in your life, everything takes longer and is incredibly challenging. Leaving the house with your keys, wallet, and integrity is a challenge for most people, but add in a stressed child struggling to understand the world and the challenge is multiplied. Over time, I began to understand that clear spaces are important. Through my son’s education I learnt about the removal of “antecedents” in an environment to help him not only learn but keep calm. Too many “things” around him are stressful and confusing and keeping it simple helps.
I did at one point think that having less in my life would somehow lessen me as a person. However, as the years have progressed I have realized that being more content with less not only allows my mind to breathe effectively, but also creates more time to help those around me.
A Little More of Less
A few other articles we think you might enjoy…
Let Each Task Fill Up Your World by Leo Babauta
Choose Mission Over Maintenance by Joshua Becker
My Internet Has No Comments by Manu Moreale
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